San Francisco was the first city to literally fly the rainbow flag in 1978. Some even say it’s the gay capital of the world! The city’s enormous Pride parade sees tons of street parties, activities and events happening on more than 20 stages spread throughout the city in the biggest LGBT event throughout the States. The Castro district, a neighbourhood of grand Victorian houses and gay pride galore, offers a whole host of different lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender bars and clubs to keep you partying at all hours.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 is taking place right this instant – the colourful event is attended by hundreds of thousands of people and is one of the largest LGBT festivals in the world. The exciting event has featured pop-legends such as Kylie Minogue, top DJs from around the globe, as well as glittering dance parties and lavish burlesque shows. It’s a spectacular bonanza not to be missed.

Book your hostel early for next year’s event! Take a look at our Sydney hostels.

Berlin is one of Europe’s gay capitals. With an openly gay mayor, this is one liberal city where fashion, art, design, music and theatre keep this pulsating European destination an exciting place to visit all year round. June is when Berlin’s Lesbian and Gay Festival takes place, the slogan being ‘Equal Rights for the Unequal’. The huge festival stretches out over 20,000 square metres, turning Berlin into one big and lively celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups.

In the early 1800s, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise gay marriage and so naturally its thriving capital is as gay-friendly and proud of it as you’d expect. Another first for the Netherlands is its Homomonument, the world’s first monument commemorating gay men and lesbians who have been persecuted for their sexuality. The city’s Gay Pride week runs from 27 July – 4 August in 2014. Don’t miss the spectacular canal parade and drag queen Olympics!

The largest LGBT community in the world calls London home. Its eccentricities and diversities as well as its bold and brash nature have attracted people from all over the globe, whatever sexual orientation, for centuries. Head to Soho to experience its thriving gay scene with bars, clubs, theatres, cabarets and galleries galore. London’s Gay Pride is the one of the largest in the world where the streets fill with proud crowds.